16
"You're sixteen, you're beautiful, and you're mine."
Maybe not the exact idea the song writer had in mind, but that is my line today.
It is so hard to believe that our eldest, Bekah, turns 16 today. ob alums around the world are struggling to beleive that that little toddler they knew on Operation Barnabas is now driving a car--and doing a very nice job doing that too. Seems like yesterday she made her entry into the world and the time has flown by. Poor girl--had to go to school today on her birthday. My parents never made me go to school on my birthday. Then again, my birthday is in July...
I guess what I have found so interesting is that the age group that Dana and I have always worked with with--teens and young adults--is now the group that our own daughter is a part of. Going to a youth conference or retreat in previous years was always about the general audience. Now it includes that, but also has "I wonder how my own kid is reacting to this" in it too.
I am grateful that Bekah has a heart that is sensitive towards spiritual things as well as for being a leader. She is enjoyable to be around and really has a gift of discernment. We are proud of her and the decisions she continues to make. She is strong--which too many people think is a negative. We have always seen it as incredibly positive and don't want it any other way. When she makes up here mind--especially between right and wrong--she continues a good path, even when it may not be popular with her peers and the world's standards. And at the same time, she is teachable. Good combination. And it is going to take a special strong guy to win her over. I think most guys are afraid of her--and I'm okay with that. I also hear some of those same guys are afraid of me. I'm good with that too...
I've heard is said that when a young person makes good decisions and follows God, parents take too much credit for that. I've also heard that when a young person makes poor choices, that parents too often do not take enough responsibility for it. If anyone deserves credit in this--it is more Dana than me. And I am grateful.
So, happy birthday, Bekah. Mom and I love you and are very proud of you. Excited for the years you have before you to great things for others and to honor God.
Love,
Dad
Maybe not the exact idea the song writer had in mind, but that is my line today.
It is so hard to believe that our eldest, Bekah, turns 16 today. ob alums around the world are struggling to beleive that that little toddler they knew on Operation Barnabas is now driving a car--and doing a very nice job doing that too. Seems like yesterday she made her entry into the world and the time has flown by. Poor girl--had to go to school today on her birthday. My parents never made me go to school on my birthday. Then again, my birthday is in July...
I guess what I have found so interesting is that the age group that Dana and I have always worked with with--teens and young adults--is now the group that our own daughter is a part of. Going to a youth conference or retreat in previous years was always about the general audience. Now it includes that, but also has "I wonder how my own kid is reacting to this" in it too.
I am grateful that Bekah has a heart that is sensitive towards spiritual things as well as for being a leader. She is enjoyable to be around and really has a gift of discernment. We are proud of her and the decisions she continues to make. She is strong--which too many people think is a negative. We have always seen it as incredibly positive and don't want it any other way. When she makes up here mind--especially between right and wrong--she continues a good path, even when it may not be popular with her peers and the world's standards. And at the same time, she is teachable. Good combination. And it is going to take a special strong guy to win her over. I think most guys are afraid of her--and I'm okay with that. I also hear some of those same guys are afraid of me. I'm good with that too...
I've heard is said that when a young person makes good decisions and follows God, parents take too much credit for that. I've also heard that when a young person makes poor choices, that parents too often do not take enough responsibility for it. If anyone deserves credit in this--it is more Dana than me. And I am grateful.
So, happy birthday, Bekah. Mom and I love you and are very proud of you. Excited for the years you have before you to great things for others and to honor God.
Love,
Dad
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